Welcome to Barclay Downs

Contact a Barclay Downs Neighborhood Expert Today

704.661.2402

It is within walking distance of one of the country’s top public schools and one of the top shopping destinations in the South, as well as some of Charlotte’s favorite neighborhood parks. It is the type of neighborhood where kids still ride their bikes and play in the yard, and neighbors still gather for barbecues and holiday parties. Welcome to Barclay Downs.

Barclay Downs date back to the mid-1900s, but it remains one of South Charlotte’s most sought-after neighborhood for a multitude of reasons. First, it is only a 20-minute drive from most places in Uptown, meaning less time spent commuting and more time firing up the grill for dinner, attending the kids’ soccer games, or having a drink with friends. Second, SouthPark Mall is one of the most sought-after upscale shopping destinations in the region, and it sits right at the southeastern corner of Barclay Downs, while the trendy and historic Park Road Shopping Center sits at the northwestern corner of the neighborhood. Young families love the neighborhood because three of the top schools in the area, including the nationally ranked Myers Park High School, sit at the northeastern corner of the neighborhood, while two favorite Charlotte parks sit near the southwestern corner of Barclay Downs. In other words, no matter which way you turn, you will always find something to do here. Of course, the beautiful homes, spacious lots, and tree-lined streets with peaceful creeks trickling throughout the neighborhood are yet another reason people love to call Barclay Downs home.

History

Like many South Charlotte neighborhoods, Barclay Downs dates back to the 1950s when people who lived in town decided to branch out and build homes in the more rural parts of the city. Today, many of those homes still stand, and more are being added as Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

Incorporated in 1768, Charlotte was named for Queen Charlotte of Great Britain. A few decades after European settlers began building the city, a 12-year-old boy discovered gold in the area. Before long, the city became the site of the first gold rush in the United States, but it did not last, and fortune-seekers eventually moved on to California. During the Civil War, Jefferson Davis held his last full cabinet meeting at a private residence in Charlotte, and after the war ended, the city became a major railroad hub. The farming and textile businesses were booming during the late 1800s and early 1900s. By the 1970s, banking became the big business in Charlotte. Today, it is the second-largest banking center in the United States.

Quick Facts

Population: 4,400

Barclay Downs has an active homeowner’s association that maintains a website and Facebook page, missing pet alerts, a Neighborhood Crime Watch program, member-only picnics and events, landscaping enhancements, legal and professional services for homeowners, and more.

Public school students in Barclay Downs will attend Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, including Myers Park High School, which some consider to be one of the best high schools in the country.

Carolinas Medical Center is just under 4 miles from Barclay Downs. The highly-regarded facility is the largest research hospital in the region.

If you are looking for a job near Barclay Downs, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of Charlotte’s top employers are Carolinas HealthCare System, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Lowe’s, Walmart, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and American Airlines.

Local Attractions

One reason why residents love to live in Barclay Downs is just how easy it is to walk to some of the best shopping and dining in town. The upscale SouthPark Mall and dozens of fine dining establishments are there at your fingertips. Other parts of the neighborhood are just blocks from beautiful parks and green spaces, and yet it is all just about 5 miles south of Uptown Charlotte and all the city has to offer.

Dining

The Cowfish– Burgers and sushi do not usually go together…unless you live in Charlotte. The Cowfish is a local favorite eatery that successfully fuses the two classic restaurant dishes and serves it all in a modern, vibrant atmosphere. People come from all over town to eat at the restaurant located at SouthPark Mall.

Portofino’s – Portofino’s has three locations in Charlotte, including one on Park Road. Two childhood friends, who also happen to be Italian immigrants, run the restaurant which opened in 2001. It serves authentic Italian cuisine and pizza.

Paco’s Tacos & Tequila – For amazing Tex-Mex, Barclay Downs residents love Paco’s Tacos & Tequila. Located in SouthPark, the restaurant makes fresh tortillas daily and wood-fire grills its fajitas and enchiladas. It also offers over 100 types of tequila and beers brewed in Texas, Mexico, and North Carolina.

Good Food on Montford – Good Food on Montford is located near the Park Road Shopping Center, and it offers trendy food in a rustic yet upscale atmosphere. The tapas-style restaurant has been featured in the New York Times, Southern Living, and The Washington Post.

Transportation

Airport– Barclay Downs is just 10 miles southeast of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. One of the largest airports in the country, it serves over 159 destinations via 9 major airlines.

Public Transportation– The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) provides both bus and rail service via the LYNX Blue Line to the Barclay Downs area.

Major Roads and Interstates – Barclay Downs is just minutes east of Interstate 77 which runs from Columbia, South Carolina to Cleveland, Ohio and straight through Charlotte. It is also just a quick drive from Interstate 485 which forms a loop around Charlotte.

Shopping

SouthPark Mall – SouthPark Mall is one of the top shopping destinations in the Carolinas and most profitable malls in the United States, and it just happens to be located at the southeastern corner of Barclay Downs. The upscale mall is home to 150 stores and restaurants, like Macy’s, Belk, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hermes, H&M, Armani, Pottery Barn, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Sephora, and Tiffany & Co.

Phillips Place – Just across from SouthPark Mall is Phillips Place, another upscale shopping and dining destination. It is home to restaurants like The Palm and Upstream, as well as shops like Coplon’s, Restoration Hardware, and Brooks Brothers.

Park Road Shopping Center – At the opposite corner of Barclay Downs is the historic Park Road Shopping Center, Charlotte’s first open air shopping center that opened its doors in 1956. Today, it is home to stores and restaurants like Harris Teeter, Michaels, GNC, Omega Sports, Kid to Kid, Hallmark, Blackhawk Hardware, Caribou Coffee, The Charlotte Cafe, and more.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

Myers Park Country Club – The private Myers Park Country Club backs up to Barclay Downs, and it sits on 176 acres of beautiful green space. It opened its doors in 1921, and today, it has a challenging golf course, 13 tennis courts, a pol, a wine society, a fitness center, monthly bridge tournaments, and children’s events.

Local Parks – Several local parks are situated within a mile or two of Barclay Downs. The two most popular are Park Road Park and Marion Diehl Park. Park Road features tennis courts, basketball courts, concession stands, horseshoe pits, baseball/softball fields, volleyball courts, picnic shelters, walking trails, a lake, and a playground on 72 acres. Marion Diehl Park sits on 79 acres and features a picnic shelter, playground, walking trail, multi-purpose field, and plenty of green space.

Regal Place Stadium 10 – The theater at Phillip’s Place features 10 digital screens that show all the latest movies. It even offers 3D and all movies take advantage of a state-of-the-art sound system.

Lake Wylie – Looking for a quick weekend getaway? The 13,400-acre Lake Wylie sits along the North and South Carolina border and is just about 20 miles away from Barclay Downs. Locals love to go boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking or take a picnic to the lake.

Carowinds – Charlotte’s favorite amusement park is just 10 miles west of Barclay Downs. Carowinds features thrill rides, family rides, Planet Snoopy, a water park, live shows, and a Dinosaurs Alive exhibit.

Barclay Downs Swim & Racquet Club– The neighborhood has its very own swim and racquet club, and residents can spend entire summers soaking in all the fun. There is a pool, 6 tennis courts, and a snack bar, as well as various social programs offered throughout the year for all ages.

Real Estate Information

Barclay Downs is one of Charlotte’s most popular neighborhoods because it offers something for everyone. Homes in the area date back to the 1950s, though you will find some new construction, and they range from mid-century brick ranches to high-rise condos along the outskirts of the neighborhood. Whatever style of home you choose, you can expect it will be on a tree-lined, walkable and bike-friendly street. Houses start around 1,500 square feet and range up to over 4,000 square feet. Prices start around $300,000 and range up to well over $1,000.000. Many of the 450 single-family homes in the neighborhood date back to its early days, though they have since been renovated and expanded.